Supplier Improvement: Improving suppliers sustainably

The automotive industry has been operating in a highly dynamic environment for years. Increasing demands on delivery reliability, quality, and flexibility are compounded by ambitious vehicle launches, geopolitical tensions, and technological upheavals—the complexity and vulnerability of supply chains is constantly increasing. Supply risks often arise not in the company's own factory, but at suppliers—often outside the direct field of vision. The consequences range from fluctuating performance and bottlenecks to acute delivery disruptions.

We have developed comprehensive modules to secure the supply chain for launch, series production, and relocation situations. These are based on a data mining-supported approach for the early detection of risk situations and a tried-and-tested toolbox for solving problems in a sustainable manner.

Our approach: creating transparency, identifying risks early on, securing supply

For H&C, supplier reliability management means making supply chains visible and controllable. We create transparency among suppliers, identify potential weak points at an early stage, and can take proactive countermeasures. If an escalation has already occurred or launch and relocation projects are at risk, we intervene reactively to secure supply in the long term. Our range of services therefore extends from support in acute crisis situations and preventive supplier evaluations to assistance in particularly critical phases such as launch and relocation.

Four key challenges – four targeted solutions

We have developed customized approaches for the launch and series production phases. Our approach is based on two elements: a phase-specific health check for the early detection of risks, followed by programs for targeted stabilization and sustainable improvement at the supplier.

Each program follows a clear system: two parallel, interlinked work streams, short-term stabilization (recovery) and structural root cause elimination. This allows acute problems to be solved immediately and avoided in the long term.

Health Check – Measure supplier readiness & improve in a targeted manner

A lack of transparency can be costly for OEMs. That is why we differentiate between a health check for the launch phase and one for series production. Both follow a two-stage approach: First, potential risks are identified using existing customer data and prioritized in a hit list. We then validate the most critical suppliers in a compact two-day workshop on site. This allows problems to be resolved early and proactively while they are still small – before they jeopardize supply.

Troubled Supplier Support – Stabilization in Escalation Situations

Non-performing suppliers disrupt production, causing quality, delivery reliability, and costs to spiral out of control. Our crisis management therefore relies on two parallel work streams with separate teams: recovery for short-term stabilization and root cause elimination for sustainable elimination of causes. Often, the actual problems lie further upstream in the supply chain. We also take targeted action there. With this dual strategy, we have already successfully guided numerous Tier 1 to Tier 3 suppliers and OEMs through critical situations.

Launch Support – Secure SOP, stable ramp-up phase

New projects are subject to considerable time pressure. Inadequately prepared suppliers can lead to supply bottlenecks. We ensure in advance that suppliers are able to deliver on the scheduled date, on time, with the agreed quality, and at optimal costs so that the ramp-up phase runs smoothly.

Relocation – Safe & efficient relocations

Production relocations involve high risks: capacity bottlenecks, quality problems, and missing processes can jeopardize supply. For many suppliers, relocations are a rare occurrence—but not for H&C. Thanks to our experience, we know exactly what is important and can guarantee a smooth and risk-free transfer of production.

Actively shaping the future

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it!” Technological advances and growing economic rivalries are changing global competition. Europe must actively defend its position as an economically strong region. Our Supplier Improvement Program helps OEMs and suppliers stabilize supply chains, minimize risks, and secure competitive advantages.

With Horn & Company, you are in the best possible position! Our international industry experience – from the boardroom to the shop floor – and our role as true implementation consultants make the difference: We not only deliver concepts, but also accompany their implementation with a hands-on mentality. Our proven methods, powerful tools, and tried-and-tested solutions are flexible, applicable to your individual challenges, and immediately effective. Whether you are facing acute supply bottlenecks, long-term process optimizations, or strategic realignments, we offer the right approaches to make your supply chain future-proof.